2007 JEEP LIBERTY 4WD

ESP/TCS Indicator Light
TheESP/TCS Indicator Lightlocated in the
instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes
active. TheESP/TCS Indicator Lightalso
flashes when TCS is active. If theESP/TCS Indicator
Lightbegins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the
accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure
to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.WARNING!
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. ESP cannot prevent acci-
dents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ESP-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
The ESP system has 2 available operating modes in 2WD,
4WD Part Time, 4WD Full Time (Selec-Trac Only), and on
2WD vehicles. The system has a single operating mode in
4WD Low Range.
130 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

High Range (4WD Part Time, 4WD Full Time) or
2WD Models
ESP On
This is the normal operating mode for ESP in 2WD, 4WD
Part Time, 4WD Full Time (Selec-Trac Only), and on 2WD
vehicles. Whenever the vehicle is started or the transfer
case (if equipped) is shifted from 4WD low range or
neutral back to 4WD high range or 2WD, the ESP system
will be in this mode. This mode should be used for most
all driving situations. ESP should only be turned off for
specific reasons as noted below.
Partial Off
This mode is entered by momentarily depressing the “ESP
Control Switch” (located on top of the steering column).
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS portion of ESP,
except for the “limited slip” feature described in the TCS
section, has been disabled and the “ESP/TCS Indicator
Light” will be illuminated. All other stability features ofESP function normally. This mode is intended to be used
if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand or gravel conditions
and more wheel spin than ESP would normally allow is
required to gain traction. To turn ESP on again, momen-
tarily depress the “ESP Control Switch”. This will restore
the normal “ESP On” mode of operation.
ESP Control Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 131
3

NOTE:To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the “Partial Off”
mode by pressing the ESP switch. Once the situation
requiring ESP to be switched to the “Partial Off” mode is
overcome, turn ESP back on by momentarily depressing
the “ESP Control Switch”. This may be done while the
vehicle is in motion.
4WD Low Range
Partial Off
This is the normal operating mode for ESP in 4WD low
range. Whenever the vehicle is started in 4WD low range
or the transfer case (if equipped) is shifted from 2WD,
4WD high range, or neutral to 4WD low range, the ESP
system will be in this mode. In 4WD low range, ESP and
TCS, except for the “limited slip” feature described in the
TCS section, are turned off until the vehicle reaches a
speed of 30 mph (48 km/h). At 30 mph (48 km/h), thenormal ESP stability function returns but TCS remains
off. When the vehicle speed drops below 25 mph (40
km/h) the ESP system shuts off. ESP is off at low vehicle
speeds in 4WD low range so that it will not interfere with
off-road driving but ESP function returns to provide the
stability feature at speeds above 30 mph (48 km/h). The
“ESP/TCS Indicator Light” will always be illuminated in
4WD low range when ESP is off.
ESP/BAS Warning Lamp
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is
combined with BAS. The “ESP/BAS Warning
Lamp” and the “ESP/TCS Indicator Light” in
the instrument cluster both come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position. They
should go out with the engine running. If the “ESP/BAS
Warning Lamp” comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in either the
ESP or the BAS system. If this light remains on after
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
132 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

TrailerTowing .........................282
▫Common Towing Definitions.............282
▫Trailer Hitch Classification...............286
▫Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings).........287
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight..............289
▫Towing Requirements..................290▫TowingTips .........................294

Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 296
▫Towing – 2WD Models.................296
▫Towing — 4WD Models................296

Snow Plow...........................299
210 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Manual Transmission
Apply the parking brake, place the gearshift control lever
in N (Neutral) and depress the clutch pedal before
starting vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with a clutch
interlocking ignition system, which requires the clutch to
be fully depressed before starting the vehicle.
4WD Models Only
In 4L mode, this vehicle will start regardless of whether
or not the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor. This feature
enhances off-road performance by allowing the vehicle to
start when in 4L without having to depress the clutch
pedal. The 4 LO MODE indicator light will illuminate
when the transfer case has been shifted into this mode.
Automatic Transmission
Start the engine with the selector lever in the N (Neutral)
or P (Park) position. Apply the brake before shifting to
any driving range.
STARTING AND OPERATING 211
5

MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Clutch Interlocking Ignition System
2WD Models Only — Manual transmission vehicles are
equipped with a clutch interlock safety feature. The
clutch pedal must be fully depressed to allow cranking of
the engine.
4WD Models Only — The exception to this clutch inter-
lock is 4WD models equipped with a manual transmis-
sion. For these models, the clutch interlock feature is
overridden when the vehicle is operated in 4L to enhance
off-road capability. Refer to “Starting Procedures —
Manual Transmission (4WD Models Only)” in this sec-
tion.
6-Speed Manual Transmission
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended without having the parking
brake fully applied. The parking brake should al-
ways be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle, especially on an incline.
Follow the shift pattern on the gearshift knob.
NOTE:The backup lights will come on when your
vehicle is in R (Reverse) gear and the ignition is in the ON
position.
216 STARTING AND OPERATING

Shift Positions
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position see the information below:
2H
Rear Wheel Drive High Range - Normal street and
highway driving. Dry hard surfaced roads.
4H
4-Wheel-Drive High Range - Locks the front and rear
driveshafts together. Forces the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. Additional traction for loose,
slippery road surfaces only.
N
Neutral - Disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in Sec-
tion 5 for more information.
4L
4-Wheel-Drive Low Range - Low speed 4 wheel drive.
Locks the front and rear driveshafts together. Forces the
front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed.
Additional traction and maximum pulling power for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h). (Allows engine starting without depressing
the clutch pedal on vehicles equipped with manual
transmission. Refer to “Starting Procedures — Manual
Transmission (4WD Models Only)” in this section.
Shifting Procedure
2H to 4H or 4H to 2H
Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the
vehicle in motion up to 55 mph (88 km/h). The transfer
case will engage/disengage faster if you momentarily
release the accelerator pedal after completing the shift.
Apply a constant force when shifting the transfer case
lever.
228 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
refer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing – 2WD Models
Recreational towing is not allowed.Towing with the
rear wheels on the ground can result in severe transmis-
sion damage.
Towing — 4WD Models
CAUTION!
Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used. Internal
damage to the transmission or transfer case will
occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used when
recreational towing.
NOTE:The transfer case must be shifted into N (Neu-
tral), and the transmission must be shifted into P (Park)
296 STARTING AND OPERATING